US proposes unfreezing some Russian assets to revive talks

The United States has proposed that European countries unfreeze a portion of Russian assets and transfer them to a special financial instrument under Washington's control, as part of efforts to revive peace negotiations, according to the Financial Times. The proposal was discussed during talks in Miami involving representatives from the US, Ukraine, France, Germany, the UK, the EU, and NATO. US officials confirmed the use of frozen Russian assets is being discussed as part of a comprehensive peace agreement, though the mechanism and final destination of the funds remain under negotiation. European delegates rejected the plan, which was initiated by US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The proposal raised concerns in European capitals and Kyiv about Washington's approach to pressuring Moscow, with European officials stating they would not support returning any assets to Russia.